Milk-Derived Exosomes Enhance Resveratrol’s Brain Delivery and Anticancer Effects
A new study by Antonio González-Sarrías and Juan Carlos Espín from CEBAS-CSIC sheds light on the potential of milk-derived exosomes (EXOs) to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol known for its anticancer properties. Here’s a summary of the key findings:
- Encapsulation in Exosomes: RSV is efficiently encapsulated in EXOs, protecting it from phase II metabolism, which normally limits its bioactivity.
- Improved Brain Delivery: Pharmacokinetic analysis in rat models revealed that EXO-RSV crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more effectively than free RSV.
- Increased Antiproliferative Effects: EXO-RSV showed stronger antiproliferative activity on human cancer cells (neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and glioblastoma U-87MG) compared to free RSV, which had limited effects after 72 hours.
- Reduced Metabolism: EXO-RSV resulted in lower levels of phase II-derived metabolites in circulation, further improving its potential for therapeutic use.
These findings suggest that milk-derived exosomes could be a promising nanocarrier for delivering RSV to the brain, enhancing its potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
We are excited to announce that Antonio González-Sarrías will be a speaker at the 18th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications in Malta, on October 2-3, 2025, where he will share his insights into this groundbreaking research.
Image Credits: María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez, Beatriz Garay-Mayol, Juan Antonio Giménez-Bastida, María del Carmen López de las Hazas, Carmen Mazarío-Gárgoles, Maria Alexandra Brito, Alberto Dávalos, Juan Carlos Espín, Antonio González-Sarrías, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2024)
